Electrical Safety Month is the Month of May [Infographic]

Since their introduction into the National Electrical Code in the 1970s, ground fault circuit interrupters have saved thousands of lives. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 50% of home electrocutions have been prevented by the introduction of GFCIs.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International wants you to make sure your home is properly protected against ground faults with the correct installation of GFCIs. GFCI protection is required for outlets installed in:

• Bathrooms
• Garages
• Outdoors
• Balconies, decks, and porches
• Kitchen countertops
• Within 6 feet of a sink
• Laundry areas
• Within 6 feet of a bathtub or shower.

How to test a GFCI:

1. Push the RESET button
2. Plug in a nightlight or similar device
3. The nightlight should be ON
4. Press the TEST button on the GFCI
5. The nightlight should turn OFF
6. Push the RESET button again
7. The nightlight should turn ON
8. If the device does not turn on, contact a qualified electrician to inspect the outlet

We also have these electrical safety tips for professionals:

• Follow instructions issued by your workspace supervisors or managers, and those of the respective equipment’s manual.
• Make sure your hands are clean and dry before handling any equipment.
• Ensure that the office or workspace has good ventilation, and regularly inspect (and clean)exhaust fans and other ventilation sources.
• Wear appropriate clothing and use personal protective equipment—including the right foot, hand, and head gear—to protect yourself in case of an emergency.
• Always familiarize yourself with the specific safety regulations, standards, requirements, and guidelines of your workplace.  An electrical safety training will give your employees an adequate knowledge on handling electricity
• Tools and equipmentin the workspace should bear the mark of approval by a reputable consumer laboratory (UL)
• Unplug unused equipment and tools, and stow them safely out of the way in a dry, cool space.
• Never leave running tools or equipment unattended.
• Always turn off power before you plug or unplug the appliances.
• Never cover warm equipmentand allow for air circulation, especially for tools and appliances which generate heat (computers, copy machines, portable heaters, etc.).
• If overheated, turn off appliances and allow them to cool off.
• Immediately discontinue use of damaged equipment and get professional help.
• Don’t attempt an amateur repair, especially when dealing with hazardous items.
• Don’t insert fingers or objects into the openings of outlets or any other electrical appliances or equipment.
• Opt for non-conductive equipment, just to be on the safe side!
• If possible, isolate equipment and tools from energy sources.
• Identify and verify any embedded electrical circuits before digging, drilling, cutting, or otherwise tampering with a wall or other surface. Consider investing on an arc flash safety training for your employees working on electrical equipment.

For more electrical safety tips, visit our safety tips website.

This article and infographic retrieved from EHSToday.com